Facilitator Guide

Motions to Amend Pleadings

Facilitator Guide

Motions to Amend Pleadings

Topic: Motion Practice
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s covered

Common reasons for amending pleadings
Rules and the legal standard
Grounds for denial of the motion
Developing arguments
Opposing the motion

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/motions-to-amend-pleadings/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Motions to Amend Pleadings

Developing arguments both supporting and opposing motions for leave to amend, including a discussion of the various grounds for denial. Rules, procedure, and the legal standard.
Exercise
PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What are some reasons you might want to amend your pleading?
What legal standard do courts generally apply to the motion?
What are the potential grounds for denial of the motion?
How might you make a prejudice argument if you’re opposing the motion?
What are the possible outcomes when moving for leave to amend?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Motion Practice topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.